Spermadictyon suaveolens

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows about 2 m high. The leaves have stalks. They are opposite. Leaves are 7-22 cm long by 3-10 cm wide. They are oblong. The flowers are blue and arise from the same point in a branched flower arrangement. The fruit is a capsule. It is oval and has 5 seeds.

There is only one Spermadictyon species.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 600-2300 m altitude. It grows on open hillsides. It grows on hot and dry ranges.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet

How it is used for food

The tender leaves and shoots are eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ban champa, Bakhara pire, Biri

Synonyms

Hamiltonia dulina Buch-Ham. ex D. Don; Hamiltonia mysorensis Wight & Arn. Hamiltonia suaveolens (Roxb.) Roxb.; Hamiltonia propinqua Decaisne; Hamiltonia scabra D. Don; Spermadictyon azureum Wall.; Spermadictyon mysorensis Steud.;